The Antlers Americanhttp://www.theantlersamerican.com/node/1439/atom/feed2011-03-25T11:38:16-04:0010 Ways to Beat the Heat for Less http://www.theantlersamerican.com/content/10-ways-beat-heat-less2011-03-25T11:38:16-04:002011-03-25T11:38:16-04:00editor

No, it’s not your imagination, it is definitely getting hotter out there. The 8 warmest years on record have occurred over the past decade, and as much as we would all love to run out & construct a big air conditioned bubble around our community, we can’t. But staying cool doesn’t mean that that you are going to have to pay an arm and a leg. there are many things that you can do, at low or no cost, to help you stay cool.

No, it’s not your imagination, it is definitely getting hotter out there. The 8 warmest years on record have occurred over the past decade, and as much as we would all love to run out & construct a big air conditioned bubble around our community, we can’t. But staying cool doesn’t mean that that you are going to have to pay an arm and a leg. there are many things that you can do, at low or no cost, to help you stay cool.

#1: Go Desert! Hang a damp sheet over an open window. I know it sounds silly, but when the breeze comes through the window, the evaporating water will cool it down even more.

#2: Block out the sun! Putting up thicker curtains with a white lining, will help deflect the sun, and reduce the amount of heat that is sneaking into your home by up to 45%.

#3: Make a makeshift air conditioner! Place a shallow bowl of ice in front of a fan and enjoy. As the ice starts to melt, and then evaporates, it will cool you off for little to no cost.

#4: Spritz Yourself! Keep a spray bottle in the refrigerator and when you get hot, give yourself a squirt. As the water evaporates it will help to cool you off.

#5: Loose the Shoes! As the sweat on your feet evaporates it will cool the skin and the blood in your feet. The blood will then travel to other areas and you will get a greater cooling sensation.

#6: Spice it up! Eating hot (spicy) foods can cool you down. Chili peppers contain capsaician, a chemical compound that induces sweating. As you sweat, the water evaporates, and presto! You experience relief!

#7: Stay Hydrated! This is one that most people don’t realize they aren’t doing well enough. As you dehydrate, your body temperature increases, causing you to get hot faster. Avoid beverages that have alcohol, caffeine, and loads of sugar because these already have dehydrating powers of their own!

#8: Make a “Cold-Compress”: Fill a cotton sock with rice & tie the open end closed. Put it in the freezer for 2 hours before bedtime. When it is time to hit the hay, slide it between the sheets. Or you can put it behind your neck, the options are endless!

#9: Relax & Read: Choose to read about things, or books, with settings in the cold. It will take your mind off of the thermometer and evoke memories of your own experiences in the cold. This will cause you to trick yourself into feeling cooler.

#10: Cook Smart! Try not to use the oven during the heat of the day. Running your oven can easily increase the room’s temperature by 10˚, and the same goes for that pesky dishwasher and cloths dryer.

Try these 10 easy tricks and see how much cooler you and your wallet both are!